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The idea emerged last year as an activity to celebrate the Day of the Basque Language: filming a video explaining in Basque how to prepare this typical Navarrese beverage.  Now the moment of truth.  The process is over and the liquor is ready to be tasted.  The Basque students in Azul told EuskalKultura.com that the experience of making Patxaran, and the final result made in Azul has an Argentinean touch.  

Azul, Argentina.   It is not surprising that celebrations at euskal etxeas in Argentina become a mirror of what happens in the Basque Country since many celebrate annually events on the Basque calendar.  There is no doubt that the most anticipated date for Basque students is the celebration of ENE, or the International Day of Euskera, festivities that include special activities.

In getting ready for ENE 2016, a group of students at Gure Txokoa in Azul, taught by Elisabeth Etchegaray, presented a video in Basque entitled, “Nola prestatzen da etxeko patxarana Argentinan?” (How do you make homemade Patxaran in Argentina?).  In the video, presented during the festivities, the students explained the process of making the drink utilizing themes learned during the year.  In the words of the teacher, “the video shows students making Patxaran.  Since we don’t have sloe berries, a principal component of Patxaran, we did it with blueberries.  This was the first part of the task.” 

Six months later, the liquor was ready to be tasted and the first tasting took place with the Basque studients, members of the board of directors, dantzaris and the choir.  “Last Friday we organized a dinner and that is where we filmed the second video.  Appetizers included various pintxos and since we are entering winter, we prepared porrusalda (leek soup) to share.  After dinner we made a toast with our homemade Patxaran.  It was delicious!” the very happy and proud Basque teacher reported.

[First video, students making Patxaran]

[Second video, six months later toasting with their homemade Patxaran!]

Encouraged by the success of the activity, members of Gure Txoko continue to open their doors to celebrate festivities from Euskal Herria as well as local ones.  On June 20th, Flag Day will be celebrated with a tripe sale, and on July 7th the Navarrese saint will be celebrated with a dinner on “El Patio.”  Tickets are $450 and reservations can be made via Facebook messenger on the club’s account: Gure Txokoa Basque Club in Azul.

New Board

At the General Assembly held on May 26th a new board of directors was elected.  The board is comprised of the following:

-President: María Inés Etchevers Aizpiri
-Vice-president: Alicia Nélida Barbería
-Secretary: María del Rosario Barberena
-Treasurer: Sonia Beatriz Latasa
-Pro-treasurer: María Isabel Bidegain

-Directors: Corina Alicia Cirone, Silvia Susana Iceta, Hilda Graciana Zubeldia
-Alternates: Sara Elena Aristu, Elisa Del Curto Ibarbide, Eduardo Pedro Cinqualbres

-Auditors: Alfredo Antonio Dussio, Elisabet Diana Etchegaray
-Alternate Auditors: Rosa Boggi Garciarena

Zorionak to everyone!